August 7, 1956 Saratoga Races (people attending) A new season at Saratoga Opening day at the Saratoga Race Track yesterday found many Albany residents lunching at the clubhouse and tyring their luck at the parimutuels windows. Among those in the clubhouse were, left to right on the near side of the table: Mrs. George Horohoe, Miami, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Burke and William Fagan of Albany. On the far side, left to right, are: Mrs. Alfred Hurst, Mrs. William Fagan and Mr. Hurst. Mr. Fagan and Mr. Hurst are associated in the Capitol Buick Company. (The Knickerbocker News) less

August 7, 1956 Saratoga Races (people attending) A new season at Saratoga Opening day at the Saratoga Race Track yesterday found many Albany residents lunching at the clubhouse and tyring their luck at the ... more

August 7, 1956 Saratoga Races (people attending) A new season at... Photo-1121824.16117 - Times Union

Image 4 of 78

This looks like the Jim Dandy Bar on the first floor of the clubhouse. Not sure what it was called on Aug. 28, 1940. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

This looks like the Jim Dandy Bar on the first floor of the clubhouse. Not sure what it was called on Aug. 28, 1940. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

This looks like the Jim Dandy Bar on the first floor of the... Photo-1121825.16117 - Times Union

Image 5 of 78

The backstretch at Saratoga Race Course on July 26, 1920. Some things look the same as they do today. Other things, like that car, do not. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection) less

The backstretch at Saratoga Race Course on July 26, 1920. Some things look the same as they do today. Other things, like that car, do not. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster ... more

The backstretch at Saratoga Race Course on July 26, 1920. Some... Photo-1121827.16117 - Times Union

Image 6 of 78

Two unidentified men are all dressed up and ready for a day at the races on Aug. 9, 1941. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Two unidentified men are all dressed up and ready for a day at the races on Aug. 9, 1941. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Two unidentified men are all dressed up and ready for a day at the... Photo-1121829.16117 - Times Union

Image 7 of 78

An outdoor terrace at the racetrack on a sunny Aug. 28 of 1937. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

An outdoor terrace at the racetrack on a sunny Aug. 28 of 1937. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

An outdoor terrace at the racetrack on a sunny Aug. 28 of 1937.... Photo-1121830.16117 - Times Union

Image 8 of 78

A look at the clubhouse from outside on Aug. 28, 1940. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

A look at the clubhouse from outside on Aug. 28, 1940. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

A look at the clubhouse from outside on Aug. 28, 1940. (Courtesy of... Photo-1121831.16117 - Times Union

Image 9 of 78

The porch outside the steward's offices in 1935. It's still there today. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

The porch outside the steward's offices in 1935. It's still there today. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

The porch outside the steward's offices in 1935. It's... Photo-1121833.16117 - Times Union

Image 10 of 78

A look down the clubhouse's box seats, which start at the finish line. It appears as though the track was putting in a new row of boxes in 1935. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection) less

A look down the clubhouse's box seats, which start at the finish line. It appears as though the track was putting in a new row of boxes in 1935. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. ... more

A look down the clubhouse's box seats, which start at the... Photo-1121834.16117 - Times Union

Image 11 of 78

The clubhouse box seats are all set up and ready to go in 1935. All it needs now is some people. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

The clubhouse box seats are all set up and ready to go in 1935. All it needs now is some people. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

The clubhouse box seats are all set up and ready to go in 1935. All... Photo-1121835.16117 - Times Union

Image 12 of 78

Looks like lunchtime at the Spa on Aug. 28, 1937. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Looks like lunchtime at the Spa on Aug. 28, 1937. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Looks like lunchtime at the Spa on Aug. 28, 1937. (Courtesy of... Photo-1121836.16117 - Times Union

Image 13 of 78

A box seat full of people in a clubhouse box at the Spa, date unknown. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

A box seat full of people in a clubhouse box at the Spa, date unknown. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

A box seat full of people in a clubhouse box at the Spa, date... Photo-1121837.16117 - Times Union

Image 14 of 78

The crowded second floor dining area at the Spa in 1929. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

The crowded second floor dining area at the Spa in 1929. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

The crowded second floor dining area at the Spa in 1929. (Courtesy... Photo-1121838.16117 - Times Union

Image 15 of 78

Don't think they would allow the cars to be parked outside the track today. They did, though, on Aug. 3, 1940. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Don't think they would allow the cars to be parked outside the track today. They did, though, on Aug. 3, 1940. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Don't think they would allow the cars to be parked outside the... Photo-1121839.16117 - Times Union

Image 16 of 78

Horses and riders make their way to the track from the paddock, date unknown. The average fan could really get up and close and personal with the thoroughbreds back then. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection) less

Horses and riders make their way to the track from the paddock, date unknown. The average fan could really get up and close and personal with the thoroughbreds back then. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs ... more

Horses and riders make their way to the track from the paddock,... Photo-1121840.16117 - Times Union

Image 17 of 78

Hope Lauder enjoys a day at the races on Aug. 3, 1940. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Hope Lauder enjoys a day at the races on Aug. 3, 1940. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Hope Lauder enjoys a day at the races on Aug. 3, 1940. (Courtesy of... Photo-1121844.16117 - Times Union

Image 18 of 78

People head for the grandstand on Aug. 28, 1937. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

People head for the grandstand on Aug. 28, 1937. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

People head for the grandstand on Aug. 28, 1937. (Courtesy of... Photo-1121845.16117 - Times Union

Image 19 of 78

Some people are walking, some are sitting on the clubhouse lawn on Aug. 3, 1940. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Some people are walking, some are sitting on the clubhouse lawn on Aug. 3, 1940. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Some people are walking, some are sitting on the clubhouse lawn on... Photo-1121846.16117 - Times Union

Image 20 of 78

Railbirds watch the action during the 1919 meet at the Spa. Did all these guys go the same store to buy their hats? (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Railbirds watch the action during the 1919 meet at the Spa. Did all these guys go the same store to buy their hats? (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Railbirds watch the action during the 1919 meet at the Spa. Did all... Photo-1121848.16117 - Times Union

Image 21 of 78

Here's the paddock at the Spa, date unknown, but it wasn't last summer. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Here's the paddock at the Spa, date unknown, but it wasn't last summer. (Courtesy of Saratoga Springs Historical Museum, George S. Bolster collection)

Here's the paddock at the Spa, date unknown, but it... Photo-1121849.16117 - Times Union

Image 22 of 78

Race fans get an up close and personal look at the ponies on July 29, 1975. Note the paddock fence is a lot higher these days. (Times Union Archives)

Race fans get an up close and personal look at the ponies on July 29, 1975. Note the paddock fence is a lot higher these days. (Times Union Archives)

Race fans get an up close and personal look at the ponies on July... Photo-1121852.16117 - Times Union

Image 23 of 78

Jockey Angel Cordero Jr. signs an autograph for a fan as he walks to the paddock before a race on Aug. 4, 1985.Some things at the track never change. (Tom LaPoint/Times Union)

Jockey Angel Cordero Jr. signs an autograph for a fan as he walks to the paddock before a race on Aug. 4, 1985.Some things at the track never change. (Tom LaPoint/Times Union)

Jockey Angel Cordero Jr. signs an autograph for a fan as he walks... Photo-1121854.16117 - Times Union

Image 24 of 78

Sara Roz from the Town of Saratoga, aged 10, shows how much she likes the Spa spring water at the Hathorn Spring on Spring Street on July 29, 1993. Her dad Steve, and 12-year-old sister Katie, think it's all pretty funny. (Paul D. Knickern Sr./Times Union) less

Sara Roz from the Town of Saratoga, aged 10, shows how much she likes the Spa spring water at the Hathorn Spring on Spring Street on July 29, 1993. Her dad Steve, and 12-year-old sister Katie, think it's all ... more

Sara Roz from the Town of Saratoga, aged 10, shows how much she... Photo-1121855.16117 - Times Union

Image 25 of 78

... And they're off at Saratoga! Opening day on Aug. 3, 1950. (Times Union Archives)

... And they're off at Saratoga! Opening day on Aug. 3, 1950. (Times Union Archives)

... And they're off at Saratoga! Opening day on Aug. 3, 1950.... Photo-1121856.16117 - Times Union

Image 26 of 78

As you can see by the dress, Aug. 22, 1964 was a cold day at the racetrack. Temperatures were in the low 60s and the conditions were described as rainy, foggy and cloudy. The summer place to be, indeed! (Times Union Archives) less

As you can see by the dress, Aug. 22, 1964 was a cold day at the racetrack. Temperatures were in the low 60s and the conditions were described as rainy, foggy and cloudy. The summer place to be, indeed! (Times ... more

As you can see by the dress, Aug. 22, 1964 was a cold day at the... Photo-1121858.16117 - Times Union

Image 27 of 78

Looks like a pretty nice day at the track on Aug. 18, 1954. The people sitting in the box seat are not identified. Anyone know who they are? (Times Union Archives)

Looks like a pretty nice day at the track on Aug. 18, 1954. The people sitting in the box seat are not identified. Anyone know who they are? (Times Union Archives)

Looks like a pretty nice day at the track on Aug. 18, 1954. The... Photo-1121860.16117 - Times Union

Image 28 of 78

Here's the start of the third race -- a steeplechase event -- on Aug. 21, 1947. (Times Union Archives)

Here's the start of the third race -- a steeplechase event -- on Aug. 21, 1947. (Times Union Archives)

Here's the start of the third race -- a steeplechase event --... Photo-1121861.16117 - Times Union

Image 29 of 78

Affirmed, the last Triple Crown winner, is led towards the track on Aug. 6, 1978. He is being watched at the right by owner Louis Wolfson, trainer Laz Barrera and owner Patrice Wolfson. (Times Union Archives)

Affirmed, the last Triple Crown winner, is led towards the track on Aug. 6, 1978. He is being watched at the right by owner Louis Wolfson, trainer Laz Barrera and owner Patrice Wolfson. (Times Union Archives)

Affirmed, the last Triple Crown winner, is led towards the track on... Photo-1121862.16117 - Times Union

Image 30 of 78

Alydar, the rival of 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed, is led off the horse van on July 29, 1978. Alydar would beat Affirmed in the Travers Stakes, but got the win via disqualification. (Times Union Archives)

Alydar, the rival of 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed, is led off the horse van on July 29, 1978. Alydar would beat Affirmed in the Travers Stakes, but got the win via disqualification. (Times Union Archives)

Alydar, the rival of 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed, is led off... Photo-1121863.16117 - Times Union

Image 31 of 78

The great Kelso, who was Horse of the Year five straight years (1960-64) is shown grazing at Saratoga on July 31, 1962. (Times Union Archives)

The great Kelso, who was Horse of the Year five straight years (1960-64) is shown grazing at Saratoga on July 31, 1962. (Times Union Archives)

The great Kelso, who was Horse of the Year five straight years... Photo-1121864.16117 - Times Union

Image 32 of 78

Here's a view of the cubhouse and grandstand at Saratoga in 1946. Obviously, they weren't racing on this day. (Times Union Archives)

Here's a view of the cubhouse and grandstand at Saratoga in 1946. Obviously, they weren't racing on this day. (Times Union Archives)

Here's a view of the cubhouse and grandstand at Saratoga in... Photo-1121865.16117 - Times Union

Image 33 of 78

People always liked to watch the jockeys weigh in before the races. And, back in the day, they could do it all day. No date on this photo, but, the guy on the far left has a Racing Form with Riva Ridge in the headline. That would make it the early 1970s. (Times Union Archives) less

People always liked to watch the jockeys weigh in before the races. And, back in the day, they could do it all day. No date on this photo, but, the guy on the far left has a Racing Form with Riva Ridge in the ... more

People always liked to watch the jockeys weigh in before the races.... Photo-1121867.16117 - Times Union

Image 34 of 78

Yes, the infield used to be open for people -- and geese. It looks as though the New York Racing Association had a giveaway on this day. Check out the painter hats everyone is wearing. (Times Union Archives)

Yes, the infield used to be open for people -- and geese. It looks as though the New York Racing Association had a giveaway on this day. Check out the painter hats everyone is wearing. (Times Union Archives)

Yes, the infield used to be open for people -- and geese. It looks... Photo-1121868.16117 - Times Union

Image 35 of 78

A race goes off on Aug. 1, 1939. No Saratoga on the starting gate. Would like to know what happened to that horse to the far left. It looks like he came running over from the Oklahoma Training Track. (Times Union Archives) less

A race goes off on Aug. 1, 1939. No Saratoga on the starting gate. Would like to know what happened to that horse to the far left. It looks like he came running over from the Oklahoma Training Track. (Times ... more

A race goes off on Aug. 1, 1939. No Saratoga on the starting gate.... Photo-1121869.16117 - Times Union

Image 36 of 78

Yes, they actually used to have a media race at the annual Open House at the Spa. Bad idea. Real thoroughbreds that could really run. It's amazing no one got killed. This photo was taken sometime in the 1980s. (Times Union Archives)

Yes, they actually used to have a media race at the annual Open House at the Spa. Bad idea. Real thoroughbreds that could really run. It's amazing no one got killed. This photo was taken sometime in the 1980s.

Yes, they actually used to have a media race at the annual Open... Photo-1121871.16117 - Times Union

Image 37 of 78

A couple of horses work out on the main track on July 31, 1959. (Times Union Archives)

A couple of horses work out on the main track on July 31, 1959. (Times Union Archives)

A couple of horses work out on the main track on July 31, 1959.... Photo-1121872.16117 - Times Union

Image 38 of 78

A crowd of people get ready to leave the Saratoga infield and return to the clubhouse and grandstand. Fans had to wait between races to make the trek back and forth from the infield. This photo is not dated. (Times Union Archives) less

A crowd of people get ready to leave the Saratoga infield and return to the clubhouse and grandstand. Fans had to wait between races to make the trek back and forth from the infield. This photo is not dated. ... more

A crowd of people get ready to leave the Saratoga infield and... Photo-1121873.16117 - Times Union

Image 39 of 78

A group of horses make their way towards the main track on the Saratoga backstretch on July 31, 1941. Some things just never change. (Times Union Archives)

A group of horses make their way towards the main track on the Saratoga backstretch on July 31, 1941. Some things just never change. (Times Union Archives)

A group of horses make their way towards the main track on the... Photo-1121874.16117 - Times Union

Image 40 of 78

A field of horses head to the post on Aug. 1, 1939. Notice how well dressed most of the people are. Also, notice how the track's apron was grass way back when. (Times Union Archives)

A field of horses head to the post on Aug. 1, 1939. Notice how well dressed most of the people are. Also, notice how the track's apron was grass way back when. (Times Union Archives)

A field of horses head to the post on Aug. 1, 1939. Notice how well... Photo-1121875.16117 - Times Union

Image 41 of 78

Here was a common practice. People used to leave programs or racing forms on their chairs to make sure no one else sat in them. This picture was taken on Aug. 16, 1962. (Times Union Archives)

Here was a common practice. People used to leave programs or racing forms on their chairs to make sure no one else sat in them. This picture was taken on Aug. 16, 1962. (Times Union Archives)

Here was a common practice. People used to leave programs or racing... Photo-1121879.16117 - Times Union

Image 42 of 78

Here's a shot of Saratoga Race Course on July 24, 1937. There are a few things different now, like the section of stands up the track that are no longer there. (Times Union Archives)

Here's a shot of Saratoga Race Course on July 24, 1937. There are a few things different now, like the section of stands up the track that are no longer there. (Times Union Archives)

Here's a shot of Saratoga Race Course on July 24, 1937. There... Photo-1121880.16117 - Times Union

Image 43 of 78

Fans wait out the rain on July 31, 1961. The photographer, Bernard Kolenberg of Wyantskill, was killed in a plane crash in Vietnam in 1965. He was among one of the first American journalists killed during the war. At the time, Kolenberg was on assignment with the Associated Press. The AP has an annual award in his honor every year. (Bernard Kolenberg/Times Union)

Fans wait out the rain on July 31, 1961. The photographer, Bernard Kolenberg of Wyantskill, was killed in a plane crash in Vietnam in 1965. He was among one of the first American journalists killed during the

Horses are getting ready to go to the track from the barn area in a photo that is undated. (Times Union Archives)

Horses are getting ready to go to the track from the barn area in a photo that is undated. (Times Union Archives)

Horses are getting ready to go to the track from the barn area in a... Photo-1121898.16117 - Times Union

Image 48 of 78

A big group of horses are out for their morning exercise at Saratoga on July 31, 1931. Notice that the exercise riders are not wering helmets. These days, they have to wear them and also flak jackets. (Times Union Archives) less

A big group of horses are out for their morning exercise at Saratoga on July 31, 1931. Notice that the exercise riders are not wering helmets. These days, they have to wear them and also flak jackets. (Times ... more

A big group of horses are out for their morning exercise at... Photo-1121899.16117 - Times Union

Image 49 of 78

Fans are milling out outside the clubhouse and the escalator is in full service on Aug. 26, 1964. (Times Union Archives)

Fans are milling out outside the clubhouse and the escalator is in full service on Aug. 26, 1964. (Times Union Archives)

Fans are milling out outside the clubhouse and the escalator is in... Photo-1121900.16117 - Times Union

Image 50 of 78

This fallen tree doesn't seem to bother these hearty race fans on Aug. 1, 1983. There is no information given why the tree fell, but it looks like perhaps a lightning strike. Or maybe not. (Times Union Archives) less

This fallen tree doesn't seem to bother these hearty race fans on Aug. 1, 1983. There is no information given why the tree fell, but it looks like perhaps a lightning strike. Or maybe not. (Times Union ... more

Robert Bomkamp rolls some supplies -- cold drink cups -- into the clubhouse as preparations are made for the opening of another Spa season. This was taken some time in the 1980s. (Fred McKinney/Times Union)

Robert Bomkamp rolls some supplies -- cold drink cups -- into the clubhouse as preparations are made for the opening of another Spa season. This was taken some time in the 1980s. (Fred McKinney/Times Union)

Members of high society used to come into the track on opening day in horse drawn carriages, like this parade on July 31, 1986. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Members of high society used to come into the track on opening day in horse drawn carriages, like this parade on July 31, 1986. (Skip Dickstein/Times Union)

Members of high society used to come into the track on opening day... Photo-1121904.16117 - Times Union

Image 53 of 78

We believe this is the jockey's house (known as the jockey Y) across the street from the track. This picture was taken on Aug. 16, 1931. (Times Union Archives)

We believe this is the jockey's house (known as the jockey Y) across the street from the track. This picture was taken on Aug. 16, 1931. (Times Union Archives)

We believe this is the jockey's house (known as the jockey Y)... Photo-1121905.16117 - Times Union

Image 54 of 78

Back in 1968, these are what hostesses from the New York Racing Association were decked out in. Anyone know who these ladies are? (Times Union Archives)

Back in 1968, these are what hostesses from the New York Racing Association were decked out in. Anyone know who these ladies are? (Times Union Archives)

Back in 1968, these are what hostesses from the New York Racing... Photo-1121907.16117 - Times Union

Image 55 of 78

This is how they used to resurface the race track between races. This picture was taken on Aug. 2, 1934. There must have been a long time between each race, don't you think? (Times Union Archives)

This is how they used to resurface the race track between races. This picture was taken on Aug. 2, 1934. There must have been a long time between each race, don't you think? (Times Union Archives)

This is how they used to resurface the race track between races.... Photo-1121908.16117 - Times Union

Image 56 of 78

This is an aerial shot of Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 13, 1977. (Times Union Archives)

This is an aerial shot of Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 13, 1977. (Times Union Archives)

This is an aerial shot of Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 13, 1977.... Photo-1121909.16117 - Times Union

Image 57 of 78

Here is a look at Saratoga Raceway, the harness track, from June 19, 1951. (Times Union Archives)

Here is a look at Saratoga Raceway, the harness track, from June 19, 1951. (Times Union Archives)

Here is a look at Saratoga Raceway, the harness track, from June... Photo-1121910.16117 - Times Union

Image 58 of 78

Here is another aerial view of Saratoga Race Course, this one from July 2, 1965. The meet had not yet started that year. (Times Union Archives)

Here is another aerial view of Saratoga Race Course, this one from July 2, 1965. The meet had not yet started that year. (Times Union Archives)

Here is another aerial view of Saratoga Race Course, this one from... Photo-1121912.16117 - Times Union

Image 59 of 78

The hoses head for home in a claiming race for 3-year-olds on Aug. 4, 1938. The winner of the race, and the horse in front, was named Prowl, an 8-1 shot. (Times Union Archives)

The hoses head for home in a claiming race for 3-year-olds on Aug. 4, 1938. The winner of the race, and the horse in front, was named Prowl, an 8-1 shot. (Times Union Archives)

The hoses head for home in a claiming race for 3-year-olds on Aug.... Photo-1121913.16117 - Times Union

Image 60 of 78

Here's the way they resurfaced the track between races in 1964. (Times Union Archives)

Here's the way they resurfaced the track between races in 1964. (Times Union Archives)

Here's the way they resurfaced the track between races in... Photo-1121914.16117 - Times Union

Image 61 of 78

The crowd at the races on Aug. 6, 1946. Most people are pretty gussied up. (Times Union Archives)

The crowd at the races on Aug. 6, 1946. Most people are pretty gussied up. (Times Union Archives)

The crowd at the races on Aug. 6, 1946. Most people are pretty... Photo-1121915.16117 - Times Union

Image 62 of 78

A look at the track from the infield on Aug. 17, 1946. (Times Union Archives)

A look at the track from the infield on Aug. 17, 1946. (Times Union Archives)

A look at the track from the infield on Aug. 17, 1946. (Times... Photo-1121916.16117 - Times Union

Image 63 of 78

Horses head to the track from the paddock for one of the first races of the 1953 meet. The 85th season opened on Aug. 4, 1953. (Times Union Archives)

Horses head to the track from the paddock for one of the first races of the 1953 meet. The 85th season opened on Aug. 4, 1953. (Times Union Archives)

Horses head to the track from the paddock for one of the first... Photo-1121917.16117 - Times Union

Image 64 of 78

A horse gets a new pair of shoes from a blacksmith on the backstretch of Saratoga Race Course in August of 1969. (Times Union Archives)

A horse gets a new pair of shoes from a blacksmith on the backstretch of Saratoga Race Course in August of 1969. (Times Union Archives)

A horse gets a new pair of shoes from a blacksmith on the... Photo-1121918.16117 - Times Union

Image 65 of 78

Yup, the media race, was really a dumb idea. Not sure who the fowl on horseback is. Perhaps the sire of Mine That Bird? (Tom LaPoint/Times Union)

Yup, the media race, was really a dumb idea. Not sure who the fowl on horseback is. Perhaps the sire of Mine That Bird? (Tom LaPoint/Times Union)

Yup, the media race, was really a dumb idea. Not sure who the fowl... Photo-1121956.16117 - Times Union

Image 66 of 78

The crowd jams onto the apron at the Spa to get a better look at the races on Aug. 2, 1986. (Jack Madigan/Times Union)

The crowd jams onto the apron at the Spa to get a better look at the races on Aug. 2, 1986. (Jack Madigan/Times Union)

The crowd jams onto the apron at the Spa to get a better look at... Photo-1121963.16117 - Times Union

Image 67 of 78

A horse comes back after the fifth race on Aug. 8, 1986. There would not be a sixth as racing was called off because of a huge thunderstorm that hit the track. (Times Union Archives)

A horse comes back after the fifth race on Aug. 8, 1986. There would not be a sixth as racing was called off because of a huge thunderstorm that hit the track. (Times Union Archives)

A horse comes back after the fifth race on Aug. 8, 1986. There... Photo-1121964.16117 - Times Union

Image 68 of 78

Upset beats the great Man o'War on Aug. 13, 1919 -- one of the greatest shockers of all-time in racing. (Times Union Archives)

Upset beats the great Man o'War on Aug. 13, 1919 -- one of the greatest shockers of all-time in racing. (Times Union Archives)

Upset beats the great Man o'War on Aug. 13, 1919 -- one of the... Photo-1121965.16117 - Times Union

Image 69 of 78

Stage and film actor Monty Woolley, bearded man, third from right, was a frequent present at Saratoga, where he grew up and owned a home. From the George S. Bolster Photographic Collection of the Historical Society of Saratoga Springs. less

Stage and film actor Monty Woolley, bearded man, third from right, was a frequent present at Saratoga, where he grew up and owned a home. From the George S. Bolster Photographic Collection of the Historical ... more

Photo: ALBANY TIMES UNION

Stage and film actor Monty Woolley, bearded man, third from right,... Photo-1121971.16117 - Times Union

Image 70 of 78

Times Union Staff Photo by Skip Dickstein -- #4 Onion with Jacinto Vasquez in the irons stands in the winner's circle of the Saratoga Race Course after defeating Secretariat in the Whitney Stakes in August of 1973. Standing to the far left of the image with the hat is his trainer H. Allen Jerkins who was named the 'Giant Killer' with this win. less

Times Union Staff Photo by Skip Dickstein -- #4 Onion with Jacinto Vasquez in the irons stands in the winner's circle of the Saratoga Race Course after defeating Secretariat in the Whitney Stakes in August of ... more